Fifty-two years ago, the body of the 1912 Portland-Lewiston
Interurban, No. 14, Narcissus, arriving at the campus of
Seashore Trolley Museum in
Kennebunkport, Maine. October 31, 1969.
Photo by John Coughlin in the Kevin Farrell Collection
Four high-speed luxury electric interurbans were ordered from the Laconia Car Company in April 1912 for the Portland, Gray, and Lewiston Railroad. The same month the Titanic set sail and sank and the same month Boston Red Sox's Fenway Park began hosting home ball games. No. 10, Arbutus, No. 12, Gladiolus, No. 14, Narcissus, and No. 16 Clematis were named by the intrepid builder of what would become the Portland-Lewiston Interurban, W. Scott Libbey, shortly following his
unexpected passing in May 1914, a few weeks before the
official opening of the line. Libbey also ordered two interurbans to be built by the Wason Company in Springfield, MA. No. 18, Azalea, and No. 20, Magnolia. Libbey named his majestic coaches after his favorite flowers after his two daughters, Gertrude and Alla, made the suggestion to him. He wanted the coaches to have names in addition to numbers so that passengers and employees alike would develop an emotional attachment to each by identifying each by their respective name. Each interurban had a seating capacity of 52.
Interior of a Laconia-built interurban
O. R. Cummings Collection
Interior of a Wason-built interurban.
There were slight variations from the Laconia-built
coaches. The ornate leaded stained glass design
and seat handle design to name two.
O. R. Cummings Collection
In 1915, two smaller cars were ordered from Laconia for use as the line expanded to have more local service stops. Nos. 40 and 42 were not assigned names. The seating capacity for each was 48.
In 1920, an additional interurban coach was ordered from Wason and was assigned No. 22. Being Maine's Centennial year, the new coach was named Maine, in honor of the Centennial.
Over the nineteen years of operation, these nine pieces of equipment carried 7.3 million passengers for the PLI.
1921 PLI Timetable
Courtesy Kevin Farrell in the Kevin Farrell Collection
PLI tickets circa 1932
Courtesy Kevin Farrell in the Kevin Farrell Collection
Following the
closure of the line in 1933, what happened to these representatives of what was known as the Finest and Fastest Electric Railroad in all of New England?
Nos. 20, Magnolia, 14, Narcissus, and 22, Maine in the
in Lewiston. Image note with the date of July 29, 1934.
In the O. R. Cummings Collection
In some of the images of interurbans in the later years, it was
difficult to see the numbers of the coaches. Names on the
exterior were also absent in many cases. Fortunately, each
coach had a mahogany panel with a border inlay of holly and
ebony surrounding the number of the coach in the interior.
Here is the panel from the Arbutus in the extensive PLI
was donated to the historical society, along with other
items, by Gertrude Libbey Anthony. PWM image
Sun Journal - November 6, 1933 - page 9
As the country was still deep in the Depression, there was
no market for the passenger or freight equipment of the PLI.
At least five of the passenger car bodies were sold to private parties.
In doing so, all the mechanical and electrical components were
scrapped. The letter is in the O. R. Cummings Collection
Lewiston Daily Sun - April 9, 1934 - page 13
Only one of the seven interurbans was sold as a complete, operable coach. One of the smaller cars, No. 40, was leased to the Portland Railroad from 1916-1918 for use in its Saco Division.
No. 10, Arbutus - was the only complete interurban coach sold. Gertrude Libbey Anthony, daughter of the builder of the PLI, W. Scott Libbey purchased the Arbutus. She had it delivered to her home in Bay View, Saco, Maine. There it was placed on a set of tracks and became a memorial to her father. Many a railway fan stopped by to visit the iconic PLI coach over the years from 1934 through 1946. Mrs. Libbey had the Arbutus scrapped in 1946. She donated some items from the Arbutus to the Maine Historical Society and the Gray Historical Society. Many of the ornate leaded stained glass windows from the clerestory made their way to the
Shoreline Trolley Museum in CT. They were donated to the Seashore Trolley Museum in 2001 for use in the Narcissus restoration.
No. 10, Arbutus on June 29, 1914, made the maiden voyage
over the line. Public service commenced shortly thereafter.
O. R. Cummings Collection
Image and caption from the incredible scrapbook
containing materials from the reunions (1938-1941)
of the former employees of the Portland-Lewiston Interurban.
of the Seashore Trolley Museum Library
Image and caption from the incredible scrapbook
containing materials from the reunions (1938-1941)
of the former employees of the Portland-Lewiston Interurban.
The PLI employees' Scrapbook is among the holdings
of the Seashore Trolley Museum Library
Arbutus in the yard of Gertrude Libbey Anthony (1940)
in Bay View, Saco, Maine. Image from the incredible
scrapbook containing materials from the reunions
(1938-1941) of the former employees of the
Portland-Lewiston Interurban. The PLI employees
Scrapbook is among the holdings
of the Seashore Trolley Museum Library
Arbutus in the yard of Gertrude Libbey Anthony(1940) in
Bay View, Saco, MaineImage from the incredible
scrapbook containing materials from the reunions
(1938-1941) of the former employees of the
Portland-Lewiston Interurban. The PLI employees
Scrapbook is among the holdings
of the Seashore Trolley Museum Library
Arbutus in the yard of Gertrude Libbey Anthony circa
1940 in Bay View, Saco, Maine.
O. R. Cummings Collection
An original destination sign from the Arbutus in the extensive
PLI collection of the Gray (Maine) Historical Society. The
sign was donated to the historical society, along with other
items, by Gertrude Libbey Anthony. PWM image
A beautiful model of the Arbutus is on display at
Seashore Trolley Museum, courtesy of Lee Duncan.
The model was built by Lee's father, Arthur Duncan.
PWM photo
A round sandstone coaster of an Arbutus.
A series of coasters was created in 2021 for merchandise
that could be available for fundraising efforts to benefit the
No. 12, Gladiolus - No details of Gladiolus's body being sold have been uncovered. It was one of the remaining coaches that were scrapped.
No. 12, Gladiolus heading to Lewiston Circa 1914
O. R. Cummings Collection
A round sandstone coaster of a Gladiolus.
A series of coasters was created in 2021 for merchandise
that could be available for fundraising efforts to benefit the
No. 14, Narcissus - the body was purchased and moved to a lot in Sabattus near Sabattus Lake. It was supposedly moved to a different lot near Sabauttus Lake and was to become the Sabattus Lake Diner. We are still seeking details on whether it was an operating diner. It was resold to J. Henri Vallee and it became Vallee's summer camp. They actually lived in it year-round for two years. Seashore Trolley Museum negotiated with Mr. Vallee in the 1960s to acquire the body of the Narcissus. The Narcissus arrived at the Seashore Trolley Museum on October 31, 1969. Stabilization measures on the body took place on and off over many years. Searching for mechanical and electrical components to be used in restoring the Narcissus to operating condition also took place over many, many years. The Narcissus entered the Donald G. Curry Restoration Shop at Seashore Trolley Museum in May 2015 to start its complete restoration.
The Narcissus, in a promotional advertisement by the Miller
Trolley Shoe Company in Boston, MA in the later "teens"
of the 20th century featuring the new technological advancement
that is highlighted in the circle in the top left of the image.
The innovative trolley "shoe," with a replaceable carbon
insert, was used in place of the brass trolley wheel to conduct
electricity for use operating the high-speed, luxury interurbans
of the Portland-Lewiston Interurban.
Photo in the O. R. Cummings Collection
Sun Journal - July 2, 1940 - page
The Narcissus with "Sabattus Lake Diner" on the letterboard
on a lot at Sabattus Lake. Notations on the negative date
photo 1941. Photo by John Coughlin in the Kevin Farrell
Collection at Seashore Trolley Museum
Sun Journal - April 21, 1941 - page 11
June 1964 image of J. Henri Vallee and his family inside
their "Narcissus" home at Sabattus Lake. In the background
is the bulkhead at the number 2 end with the doorway to
the vestibule. Photo courtesy of Daniel Vallee
J. Henri Vallee (L) with his son, Daniel, relax inside the
Narcissus in June 1965. In the background is the addition
that included the kitchen with a hand pitcher pump in the
sink and a buck stove as the central heating system. When
Daniel and his brother Andre were young, and their bed was
placed in the kitchen area. Photo courtesy of Daniel Vallee
The body of the Narcissus on the Seashore Trolley Museum's
"Highway Monster" trailer in front of the newly constructed
home of J. Henry Vallee that was built by the Museum in
exchange for the Narcissus. October 1969.
Photo courtesy of Daniel Vallee
On October 31, 1969, en route to the Seashore Trolley Museum
in Kennebunkport, ME, the transport crew made a stop in
West Cumberland, Maine at Allen's Farm Store. Both of
the Allens stepped outside and snapped this photo.
Kathy Allen MacDonald provided the image.
The Narcissus at Seashore Trolley Museum in
Kennebunkport, Maine. October 31, 1969.
Photo by Fred Coughlin in the Kevin Farrell Collection
at Seashore Trolley Museum
The Narcissus as it undergoes a complete restoration
in the Donald G. Curry Restoration Shop at
Seashore Trolley Museum, Kennebunkport, Maine.
August 21, 2021 photo PWM
A round sandstone coaster of a Narcissus.
A series of coasters was created in 2021 for merchandise
that could be available for fundraising efforts to benefit the
No. 16, Clematis - No details of Clematis's body being sold have been uncovered. It was one of the remaining coaches that were scrapped.
No. 16, Clematis at Rowe's Crossing in Upper Gloucester.
Circa 1930. O. R. Cummings Collection
A round sandstone coaster of a Clematis.
A series of coasters was created in 2021 for merchandise
that could be available for fundraising efforts to benefit the
No. 18, Azalea - For some time, the body of the Azalea was located on West Rose Hill, overlooking the Androscoggin River in Auburn. No other details have been uncovered to date.
No. 18 Azalea is pictured here at Deering Junction with
Walter E. Pinkham, left, one of the first motormen with the
PLI. Conductor Clarence J. Cobb, right, became the PLI's
first freight agent in 1915.
A round sandstone coaster of an Azalea.
A series of coasters was created in 2021 for merchandise
that could be available for fundraising efforts to benefit the
No. 20, Magnolia - No details of Magnolia's body being sold have been uncovered. It was one of the remaining coaches that were scrapped.
At the Wason Company plant in Springfield, MA, the
Magnolia gets the finishing touches from the car-shop
mechanics while being spotted for this builder's photo.
The date was November 15, 1912. O. R. Cummings Collection
A round sandstone coaster of a Magnolia.
A series of coasters was created in 2021 for merchandise
that could be available for fundraising efforts to benefit the
No. 22, Maine - the body of Maine became a diner on Park Street in Lewiston. Eventually, it too fell into disrepair and was scrapped.
Portland-Lewiston Interurban No. 22, Maine, at Maple Point,
Auburn, Maine in 1920 when the luxury coach was new.
Photo from G. F. Cummingham in the O.R. Cummings
Collection.
No. 22, Maine, in the carhouse yard of the Androscoggin &
Kennebec Railway in Lewiston, late in 1933.
Photo in the O. R. Cummings Collection
The PLI No. 22, Maine, as Brochu Diner in 1940 at
237-A Park Street, Lewiston.
Next door to the Brochu Grocer at 239-A Park Street.
Photo by David Gudas
Following its run as a diner and as a source for local weekend
entertainment, former PLI coach, Maine was used for storage
and ultimately was raized. This image is from circa 1970 courtesy
of Kevin Farrell and the Kevin Farrell Collection.
Another view of Maine on Park Street in Lewiston.
This image is from circa 1970 courtesy
of Kevin Farrell and the Kevin Farrell Collection.
A round sandstone coaster of a vintage White Pine tree
that represents Maine.
A series of coasters was created in 2021 for merchandise
that could be available for fundraising efforts to benefit the
Nos. 40 & 42 - Eventually, the bodies of both went to South Casco, Maine to be used for storage. Many years later they both came to the Seashore Trolley Museum and were stripped of components for use in other restorations and the bodies were scrapped.
Portland Press Herald - September 14, 1955 - page 1
No. 40 builder photos of the exterior and interior at the
Laconia Car Company. O. R. Cummings Collection
Nos. 40 and 42 in the Gray yard after service ended in 1933.
O. R. Cummings Collection
Lewiston Carhouse - The main carhouse on Middle Street in Lewiston survives and has been repurposed. Also, all three brick sub-stations (Danville, Gray, and West Falmouth) survived. The carhouse and office in Portland survived and have been repurposed as well.
Image and caption from the incredible scrapbook
containing materials from the reunions (1938-1941)
of the former employees of the Portland-Lewiston Interurban.
The PLI employees' Scrapbook is among the holdings
of the Seashore Trolley Museum Library
Image and caption from the incredible scrapbook containing materials
from the reunions (1938-1941) of the former employees of the
Portland-Lewiston Interurban. The PLI employees' Scrapbook is among
the holdings of the Seashore Trolley Museum Library
Image of the only known surviving original porcelain
tile that each ticket office would have on display
promoting ticket sales on the high-speed luxury coaches of
the Portland-Lewiston Interurban. The tile among the
holdings in the O. R. Cummings Collection at
Seashore Trolley Museum.
Image of the inside of the Lewiston carhouse of the
Portland-Lewiston Interurban looking towards the entrance
on Middle Street. To the right in the back is the ticket office.
Image from the O. R. Cummings Collection
This image is circa 1970 of the former PLI carhouse on
Middle Street in Lewiston. The letters spelling the
Portland-Lewiston Interurban remains clearly visible in
the concrete above the windows on the second floor.
Photo courtesy of Kevin Farrell, the Kevin Farrell Collection.
Letters spelling the Portland-Lewiston Interurban remain
clearly visible in the concrete above the windows on the
second floor. Google Maps street view (2019) of the now
repurposed building on Middle Street, Lewiston, that was
the carhouse with the ticket office and the dispatcher's office of
the Portland-Lewiston Interurban.
The Bates Street street view via Google Maps (2019) of the
repurposed PLI carhouse that is now known as the Trolley
Medical Building in Lewiston.
Portland Terminal - there was limited carhouse space on the Portland Street side. The Cumberland Street
side of the building was walk-in-only access.
Image and caption from the incredible scrapbook containing
materials from the reunions (1938-1941) of the former
employees of the Portland-Lewiston Interurban.
The PLI employees' Scrapbook is among
the holdings of the Seashore Trolley Museum Library
Image and caption from the incredible scrapbook containing
materials from the reunions (1938-1941) of the former
employees of the Portland-Lewiston Interurban.
The PLI employees' Scrapbook is among
the holdings of the Seashore Trolley Museum Library
Former Portland terminal - Cumberland Avenue level,
Portland. PWM image
Sub-Station - Danville
Image and caption from the incredible scrapbook containing
materials from the reunions (1938-1941) of the former
employees of the Portland-Lewiston Interurban.
The PLI employees' Scrapbook is among
the holdings of the Seashore Trolley Museum Library
Former Danville Sub-station Route 122.
T. Blake image
Sub-Station - Gray
Image and caption from the incredible scrapbook containing
materials from the reunions (1938-1941) of the former
employees of the Portland-Lewiston Interurban.
The PLI employees' Scrapbook is among
the holdings of the Seashore Trolley Museum Library
Former Gray Sub-station Route 115
T. Blake Image
Sub-station - West Falmouth
Image and caption from the incredible scrapbook containing
materials from the reunions (1938-1941) of the former
employees of the Portland-Lewiston Interurban.
The PLI employees' Scrapbook is among
the holdings of the Seashore Trolley Museum Library
Former West Cumberland PLI sub-station - Mountain Road.
The main brick building is the original substation/passenger
station of the PLI at West Falmouth Corners. T. Blake Image
Waiting Stations - Several local waiting stations were built in 1915 along the 30-mile right-of-way. Only one is known to have survived and it is at Seashore Trolley Museum. The Morrison Hill station from Mill Street in West Cumberland.
One of the PLI interurbans at one of the local waiting stations
along the 30-mile right-of-way between Fairview Junction in
Auburn and Deering Junction in North Deering, Portland.
Circa 1930. PWM image.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Stuart at the PLI waiting station
on Hurricane Road at Gray Road, West Falmouth.
Photo courtesy of Mrs. Joseph Stinson in the Falmouth
Historical Society
Morrison Hill Station from Mill Road in West Cumberland
now greets visitors at the Seashore Trolley Museum in
Kennebunkport, Maine. When the Narcissus restoration is
completed, the ribbon-cutting celebration will take place
here. The two former PLI companions will be reunited
for the first time since June 1933. PWM photo
W. Scott Libbey's home -
W. Scott Libbey's home in Lewiston
Greeting Papa - The Sabattus Street Home
Three years after his marriage to Annie Shaw, Scott Libbey began
construction of the family home at the corner of Sabattus and Nichols Streets,
Lewiston. This photograph was taken in 1901... 11 years after the home was
built...shows the Libbey children, Gertrude, Harold, and Alla, running down
Sabattus Street in front of the house to welcome Papa. The house still
remains at the site, but things have changed a great deal from this scene of
gravel street, horse and buggy, and the gas light on the corner.
Image from the story...
Former home of W. Scott Libbey in Lewiston
PWM photo
W. Scott Libbey's K-35 Stanley Steamer
Image and caption from the incredible scrapbook
containing materials from the reunions (1938-1941)
of the former employees of the Portland-Lewiston
Interurban. The PLI employees' Scrapbook is among
the holdings of the Seashore Trolley Museum Library
W. Scott Libbey's 1908 Stanley Motor Coach Company,
K 30-hp Semi-Racer is one of only 25 ever made. And
one of only three that still survive today. And of those three,
the only one that is still unrestored and original.
It is considered, by some, to be the
most valuable Stanley Steamer in the world.
on Mount Desert Island, Maine. SCAM image
We continue the
restoration work on the 1912,
Narcissus, the only surviving high-speed, luxury interurban coach of the Portland-Lewiston Interurban.
Being more than a century old, the stately, "Elegant Ride,"
Narcissus, is a gem. This shimmering precious stone of Maine transportation history is brilliantly resplendent as it emanates so many elements of history, including;
time, places, people, and events, that it was coupled to, that when just a smattering of its seemingly innumerable stories are shared, the contents captivates, fascinates, then generates, interest to learn more 🙋. The majestic
Narcissus is listed in the
National Register of Historic Places.
Please consider joining the epic journey to complete the Narcissus Project by making a donation today!
The restoration of this majestic icon of Maine's electric railway history is but one in a series of captivating stories containing an abundance of incredible coalition of narratives.
Click Here: History-Related Posts - Narcissus and Portland-Lewiston Interurban
The Narcissus is featured in the national Gold Award-winning novel, Teddy Roosevelt, Millie, and the Elegant Ride. The "Elegant Ride" is the Narcissus. Theodore Roosevelt was a passenger on the Narcissus on August 18, 1914, between Lewiston and Portland, Maine, while campaigning for the Progressive Party candidates.
Click Here: Bookstores and Businesses promoting the
Narcissus Project
Independent book publisher, Phil Morse, holding
the Gold Book Award Winner plaque for
the Middle Reader category for The Eric
Hoffer Book Award. Congratulations to
award-winning Maine author,
Jean M. Flahive
